New York, NY - May 5, 2009 - In recognition of Mother’s Day, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) will provide free mammograms to low-income women without health insurance on Staten Island throughout the month of May. The service is part of a larger campaign to promote cancer prevention by educating New Yorkers about breast cancer and the importance of mammograms for women over 40.

“Mammograms are the most important tool for early detection of breast cancer, and HHC hospitals and health centers remain committed to providing this potentially life-saving screening at little or no cost.” said HHC President Alan D. Aviles.

One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. A mammogram is the best method of detecting breast cancer at an early stage and improving rates of survival yet 23% of women aged 40 and older have not had a recent mammogram.

In collaboration with the Staten Island Healthy Living Partnership, HHC will provide free mammograms to low-income women without health insurance at the following locations:

• Richmond University Medical Center
  355 Bard Avenue, at Castleton Avenue
  
• Staten Island University Hospital
  256 Mason Avenue, Building B, at Alter Avenue

Women with health insurance are welcome to get breast cancer screening as well. Their insurer will be billed and they will be responsible for required co-payments.

Borough residents can call 311 or the Staten Island Healthy Living Partnership at 718-226-6447, or visit HHC’s web site at www.nyc.gov/hhc for a complete list of locations providing screenings and other helpful health information.